Are you aware there has been a decline in male sperm counts in various parts of the world over the past few decades?  For example male sperm counts have been declining at about 1.5% per year in the US and more than 3% annually in Europe according to the National Institute of Health after reviewing 61 different studies on the topic.  

Why is this occurring?  In the same publication referenced above,  Shanna Swan, chief of the reproductive epidemiology section at the California Department of Health Services stated “Once we rule out differences such as smoking, temperature, age and ethnicity, what we will have left are environmental factors,” Swan said. She, and many other experts, blame persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which range from pesticides such as DDT to industrial chemicals like PCBs. All have been shown to act like hormones such as estrogens, which can either bring out feminine characteristics or work to counteract male hormones”

You may not have heard of the term “Endocrine Disruptor”, but it is something you should become familiar with. 

According to the National Institute of Health Sciences and the National Institute of Health “Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption, including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT and other pesticides, and plasticizers such as bisphenol A.” Unfortunately for us, endocrine disruptors may be found all around us– in plastic bottles, food, toys, cosmetics, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, and pesticides. There is considerable research being conducted at this time to determine the effects that exposure to endocrine disruptors may result in human health . Research shows that endocrine disruptors may pose the greatest risk during prenatal and early postnatal development when organ and neural systems are forming.

This past week TEDX (The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, PO Box 1407, Paonia, CO 81428), an organization headed by a long-time friend Dr. Theo Colborn, published a long list of potential endocrine disruption agents.  This list is remarkable for its length approximately 800 chemicals and the reference to research findings from each chemical listed.  It is well worth studying.

Work is continuing.  It is clear that we are exposed to so many chemicals in our everyday lives.  This exposure is not without its risks. 

We support ongoing study on this important topic and congratulate Dr Colborn on her important contributions to this field.  We further suggest that consumers take steps to reduce or eliminate intake of these chemicals.  Finally, we come back to our favorite topic. Drinking great tasting, fresh distilled water.  You can make your own distilled water at home with a Pure Water distiller.